1962

1970

Mitsubishi begins building a reputation in America with the launch of the Colt under the Dodge nameplate.

1970

Galant GTO launches in Japan, featuring the first 4G-series engine and setting the stage for development for the Lancer Evolution.

1972

Mitsubishi enters the Colt F2000 Formula racecar and wins in a highly competitive Japanese open-wheel grand Prix. Mitsubishi applies aircraft technology to equip the Colt F2000 with a side radiator and wedge line.

1974

Looking for the ultimate test of durability, Mitsubishi enters the Lancer 1600GSR in the East African Safari Rally and dominates the competition with a first-second-third place sweep.

1976

Mitsubishi develops breakthrough Silent Shaft engine technology, leading to a patented method to reduce vibration in large-displacement four-cylinder engines. The technology allows four-cylinder engines to operate comparably with six-cylinder engines in terms of smoothness. Mitsubishi then licenses the technology to Porsche, Saab and Fiat.

1980

Mitsubishi is the first to engineer a turbocharged diesel engine for passenger cars in Japan.

1982

The Mitsubishi Motors marquee is introduced in America with three subsequent models: the Tredia, Cordia and Starion, and begins the development of Japanese turbocharged technology.

1985

With his third appearance in the toughest race in the world, Patrick Zaniroli makes endurance race history by winning the Dakkar Rally with the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero, the first of many rally wins to come.

1987

Galant VR-4 becomes the first vehicle to feature Active Controlled Suspension (ECS). This revolutionary system enables a comfortable ride and handling stability by automatically adjusting the vehicle height and damping force.

1989

1990

Mitsubishi is first in the world to design a Traction Control System.

1990

The breakthrough 3000GT uses active aerodynamics to increase downforce at higher speeds, the first Japanese production vehicle to utilize this technology. Also equipped with innovative features such as six-cylinder twin-turbo engine, Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) and all-wheel steering.

1990

Mitsubishi Motors launches the Eclipse in America with the turbocharged 4G63 engine and all-wheel drive technology. Makes Car and Driver's '10 Best List' from 1989 through 1992.

1991

Second-generation Montero features technological advances, Multimode ABS and Active Trac 4WD, which enable the driver to switch between rear-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive while driving at up to 60mph.

1992

1994

Japan Car Research and Journalist Conference honors Sportronic® + INVECS adaptive shift control as Technology of the Year.

1995

Company leads the development of environmentally friendly engineering by launching the world's first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Unlike ordinary engines, GDI enables fuel to be injected directly into the cylinder for lean-burn combustion.

1996

With a Dakar Rally-tested Active TracTM 4WD system, Montero Sport quickly establishes itself as a highly capable off-road midsize SUV in the U.S. and around the world.

1996

Tommi Makinen wins a record four consecutive WRC Driver's Championships from 1996 to 1999, while Mitsubishi claims the WRC Manufacturer's Championship in 1998.

1998

Mitsubishi's banner year in racing includes Montero's domination of the Dakar Rally as it sweeps the top four positions, Lancer Evolution's victory in the WRC and Montero's win in the FIA World Class Cup Cross-Country Rally.

1999

A world record: First electric car to cover 2,000 kilometers in 24 hours.

2003

Mitsubishi introduces the Lancer Evolution in America and Automobile magazine promptly honors it as 2003 Automobile of the Year.

2005

2006

The 2nd generation Outlander is the first compact SUV to offer an environmentally friendly PZEV V6 engine, a lightweight aluminum roof, magnesium paddle shifters and a 30 GB HDD navigation system with digital music server.

2007

Mitsubishi is first to score seven straight Dakar rally wins. This marks the 12th Championship win.

2008

The 2nd generation Lancer Evolution hits the streets across America, introducing a host of engineering breakthroughs that include Super All-Wheel Control and the TC-SST transmission.

2008

Mitsubishi Motors proudly announces Drive@Earth, our pledge to create vehicles that can exist in complete harmony with people, society and the environment.

2009

The Fuse Hands-free Link System® is unveiled in the redesigned 2010 Outlander. This revolutionary technology combines a Bluetooth® 2.0 handsfree phone interface with advanced voice control, allowing drivers to control their music, phone and phone book through voice command.

2009

Mitsubishi introduces the all-new Lancer Sportback, a fast, fun and versatile five-door with the same DNA as the race-inspired Lancer Evolution. Critics and drivers praise the sports car that's into whatever you're into.

2010

The PX-MiEV concept vehicle is revealed to the public. Powered by Mitsubishi's all-new plug-in hybrid system, PX-MiEV employs both serial and parallel hybrid technologies to maximize on-road performance while remaining at harmony with the earth.

2010

After intense speculation by the automotive press and years of development by Mitsubishi engineers, the production version of the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV) was made available for retail sale in Japan.

2011

The Lancer does it again for the fifth time. After being named a 'Top Safety Pick' for four years in a row by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) our popular compact sedan takes home the prize once more. The coveted IIHS award recognizes vehicles that do the best job protecting people above and beyond the current federal safety standards.

2011

In December, the remarkable all-electric i-MiEV begins to roll out in the United States. Leading the way in EV technology, the i-MiEV offers an astounding industry leading EPA rated 112MPGe, making it one of the most affordable and efficient mass produced electric vehicles available in the U.S. Another win-win situation.

2012

#1 on the EPA's list of Fuel Economy Leaders: The 2012 Model Year the all-electric i-MiEV is also named the 'Greenest Vehicle of 2012' by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

2012

The Mitsubishi Motors brand celebrates its 30th anniversary in the U.S.

2012

The popular Outlander Sport begins production in the U.S. for the first time in July at our manufacturing plant in Normal, IL.